Author's Note: Carter didn't know about the drinking!!!!

When I Need You The Most

Chapter 9

"So would you say, that because you were drunk, that you opened the door? Isn't it true that you opened the door not once, but twice? In your opinion, would you say that if you were sober that night that you wouldn't have opened the door in the first place?"

"I don't know, sir," said Abby softly. All she cared about was finding Carter, and explaining everything to him.

"Your Honor, this is irrelevant to the case," said Joyce's lawyer as he stood up.

"I don't have any further questions for Miss. Lockhart."

"I don't have any further questions either," said Joyce's lawyer.

"You may step down," said the Judge. Abby quickly left the stand. She grabbed her jacket and left the courtroom, hoping that Carter was outside the door waiting for her. She looked around, but he was no where in sight. She sighed, angry at herself.

"Why didn't I tell Carter before the trial that I started drinking? I know the answer to that," She thought to herself. Abby smacked herself on the forehead.

"Because I didn't want him to be disappointed in me," said Abby aloud to herself.

"I have lost, not only my boyfriend, but also my best friend," said Abby to herself as she took a deep breath as she got outside. She felt like her heart had been broken into a million pieces. She started to walk, she didn't know she was going, but she knew that she needed to think. She needed to get her mind on something else, besides Carter, the trial, and Brian, but the only thing she could think about was Carter.

"Have I really lost him?" She felt tears rolling down her cheek.

***

"How could she not tell me that she started drinking again? I thought we were friends, well I thought we were more than that, but how can I be with someone who doesn't tell me the truth. How can I ever trust her about her drinking, or about anything else for that matter? I can't be with her. Not after this, but if that's really how I feel, why is she all I can think about? Why didn't I realize that she was drinking again? I am so confused.

There are so many questions, and not many answers.

***

Abby walked into her apartment, and sat down on the couch. She started to remember everything that Carter done for her. Let her stay at his place during the whole Brian ordeal, he was a great friend, and most of all; he was always there for her. Abby knew that she wasn't going to let him go this easily.

"I can't. I care about him, too much," Abby said aloud as she picked up her phone. She nervously dialed his number, and got the answering machine.

"John, I'm sorry. I know you are angry, but please let me explain it all to you. Call me." Abby then hung up the phone, and went in the kitchen to make something to eat.

"John, please understand, I don't want to lose you." Abby thought as she grabbed a cup from her cupboard.

***

Carter parked his jeep into his driveway, and walked into the mansion. He went into the kitchen and makes himself a snack. He then went and sat on the couch. He saw he had three messages and pushed the button. He listened to the first two messages.

"Boring," he muttered. He then heard Abby's message. He hit the replay button and listened to it again, just to hear her beautiful voice. When he finally figured out what he needed to do, he grabbed his keys, and left the mansion.

***

Abby was about to go to sleep when there was a knock at the door. She looked through the peephole. Ever since her attack, she liked to be sure she knew who was at her door. She couldn't believe he was there, standing on her doorstep. Abby opened the door.

"Car..."Abby began, but he interrupted her.

"We need to talk," Carter said softly as he walked into her apartment.

To be continued